EARLY HANAMI🌸PICNIC, Climb Mini-FUJI-san & Enjoy a Superb NOH MASK👹Exhibit!

March 20th is the first day of Spring, or "Vernal Equinox", so let's meet for a relaxing walk to lovely Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine 鳩森八幡神社, which is remarkable for having the oldest "Fuji-zuka", or miniature Mount Fuji to be built in the capital!
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Not only is great Fuji-san recreated, but you can become a "Henro", & make a mini-pilgrimage up the mountain, stopping at legendary shrines & power-spots along the way & get a collectable GOSHUIN stamps, if you want!
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(Besides the little version of Fuji-san you can climb up, there's a cute little bamboo forest. The atmosphere is very nice, the Shrine very well maintained. I strongly recommend we stop there and have a look!)
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GOSHOIN COLLECTORS ALERT: Don't forget your stamp books!
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ON OUR WAY, WE'LL VISIT THE NATIONAL SHOGI KAIKAN!
Yes, SHOGI, the important traditional Japanese board game has its own center, with a wonderful gift shop, cafe', game rooms and much more!
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Not far away, a fascinating National Noh Theatre Special Exhibition, "Masahiko Matsumoto Noh Mask Production Tools and Process", will be on display, showing the step-by-step process of crafting classical Noh masks, and the tools used by this master!
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National Noh Theatre, was established in 1983. Theatre is committed to preserving & promoting Nohgaku (Noh & Kyogen), among the world's oldest traditional performing arts, with a history over 600 years since the Muromachi period!
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The Theatre organizes performances, research & training programs for traditional performing arts, with the exhibition room holding exhibitions three times annually featuring the Theatre's collection items, which include approximately 600 items such as Noh and Kyogen masks, costumes, literature, and paintings.
https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/nou/event/collectionexhibition2025/
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Three enjoyable activities, plus a chance to eat, drink & socialize nearby in the National Garden's beautiful Cherry Orchard!
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NOTE: The Noh Mask & special Museum Exhibition is free, but we work VERY hard to plan interesting events & guide you to the best places, so please give generously! (There's no fixed event fee, but your generous donation of: ￥1000 -3000 per person are much appreciated!)
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KIDS are WELCOME & free to join with a parent!
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Please bring your smile, wear comfortable walking shoes, picnic snacks, a *leisure sheet & beverage. (Picnic sheet or blue tarp at any￥100 shop!) SORRY, NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED IN SHINJUKU-GYOEN!
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We look forward to seeing you & hope you will invite your friends to join in this unique experience of traditional Japanese culture!
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Thanks! Your organizer, Kerry D. 💖